Since coaching both girls and boys’ soccer at various levels for the past 14 years – youth, in the Olympic Development Program, Wooster High School and at the premier level, I have realized that this sport has been an avenue to provide both boys and girls, with the reinforcement of educational goals and a network of social relations.  By facilitating the achievement of these goals through soccer, we empower the player with personal resources, such as interpersonal skills and self-confidence.

Throughout my career, my life’s reward has been witnessing the glow of a child when they first realize their ability to achieve a goal.  And conversely, the inability of a young and talented child to be denied participation in an extracurricular activity for financial reasons is disheartening.

In a collaborated study done by the University of Miami and Florida International University, Tamela McNutty and David J. Eitle stated that “several reasons why sports promote academic achievement is supported by increased interest in school, the need to maintain good grades to stay eligible, boost to one’s self-confidence, increased attention from adults like teachers and coaches, membership with others who are academically oriented, and expectations to play at the college level.”Ohio Strikers United is a newly formed non-profit soccer club whose goals are:

• to develop our members into confident individuals as well as players to mold competitive and well-rounded soccer players 
• to provide quality instruction and a clear understanding of sportsmanship and teamwork to create a fun atmosphere and reinforce the social benefits to our OSU members 
• to make participation in premier soccer more affordable

In April 1985, Bobby Knight stated in the Organization of American Historians Magazine, "Affordable athletics is very worthwhile, but only if it is affordable.  I believe that the role of our society is to provide a spectrum of possibilities for our youth to realize their personal potentials."  OSU soccer club will explore the possibility of providing opportunities to those players whose "wealth" is in their talent and commitment and not solely in their financial statements.

A soccer club generally provides the additional tools needed beyond recreational and travel soccer, in order to become more successful at the next level of a sport.  Our geographic location, the socioeconomic structure of our communities and the generally high cost of club fees have adversely affected the participation of interested and talented players.  Where there is certainly the potential for excellence countless kids lose the opportunity to explore their full potential.

The Wooster Recreation Department and the Wooster Soccer Association serves 15 communities and over 1700 kids under 14 years of age, from Cloverleaf, Chippewa, Hillsdale, Lexington, Loudonville, Mansfield, Northwestern, Norwayne, Ontario, Rittman, Smithville, Triway, Waynedale, West Holmes and Wooster.  As of March 2006, these communities combined, had less than 1% of those 1700 kids involved in any club soccer.  This low participation at younger ages makes it less likely that the individual will play club soccer as a high school player, and valuable developmental years are lost.  Communities outside the areas mentioned above boast and average of 39% for high school aged players while the communities that OSU Soccer Club will serve have a combined total of 2%.  Participation and statistics aside, the true deficit is in our failure to provide our youth with the arsenal of possibilities they deserve.  OSU brings convenience and affordability to provide a much needed service for our communities.

Cost Overview:

Conclusion:

Ohio Strikers United Soccer Club projects the formation of two teams in fall 2006, three in 2007 and five in 2008.  However, in spring 2006 the club will form a competitive and historic "trial run" team to participate in Ohio Youth Soccer Association North's Premier State League.  We will compete in communities throughout the Northeast Ohio area.

After 14 years of actively coaching kids of all ages and skill levels, including 10 years as the Head Coach at Wooster High School, I can attest that the mere notion that OSU Soccer Club is coming to the area to provide this affordable service, will give the kids of several communities that sense of pride they so truly deserve.  Together with the club's first General Manager, Jeff Battig, who shares similar beliefs, I have no doubt that the formation of this club can provide our youth with many gifts of possibilities.  We invite you to join Ohio Strikers United Soccer Club.

Ian Holford